Diabetic Retinopathy is a term used to describe the damage that occurs to the blood vessels in the retina. It is the leading cause of blindness in American adults and the most common diabetic eye disease today. If untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness or damage vision. Those with diabetes cannot regulate blood sugar levels properly and are apt to have high blood-sugar levels. These high levels can cause damage to the blood vessels throughout the body, but blood vessels in the nerve layer at the back of the eye (the retina), are especially vulnerable. Damage caused by diabetes to the retinal vessels is referred to as diabetic retinopathy and is responsible for 12,000 to 24,000 new cases of blindness each year. Those afflicted with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at risk for Diabetic Retinopathy. Between 40 and 45 percent of Americans diagnosed with diabetes have some stage of Diabetic Retinopathy.

Non-Proliferative

Non-proliferative is an early stage of diabetic retinopathy commonly known as background retinopathy, where tiny blood vessels in the retina leak blood or fluid. When vision is affected, it is the result of macular edema and/or macular ischemia.

• Diabetic Macular Edema – when leaking causes a swelling or thickening of the macula, a small area in the center of the retina.
• Diabetic Macular Ischemia – Occurs when small blood vessels (capillaries) close.

Proliferative

Proliferative is more severe than non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy because it affects both central and peripheral vision. When diabetic retinopathy progresses, the retinal blood vessels continue to weaken and close. As they close, oxygen can no longer be carried to the retinal tissue and the retina responds by growing abnormal blood vessels – this process is called proliferative diabetic retinopathy.